Communicating with the people that are supposed to represent you in government can sound like a fruitless task, but it is possible. You just need to remember they don’t always communicate the way you do. Here are some of the best ways to reach them.

According to Emily Ellsworth, a writer and former Congressional staffer, reaching out via things like Facebook or Twitter aren’t going to be very effective. Staffers check these mediums occasionally, but they’re largely ignored. Sending letters is more helpful, but they also get so many letters that it’s impossible to give them individual attention. The best way to get in touch? Phone calls.

As Emily explains in a detailed tweet chain, phone calls have to be dealt with when they occur and they can’t be ignored. A large volume of phone calls can be overwhelming for office staffers, but that means that their bosses hear about it.

Which office you target also matters. Members of Congress have offices in DC, but they also have offices in their home district that they represent. Target your letters and phone calls to your local office and you’ll have an easier time getting their attention. And while it should go without saying, only contact your representatives. While there may sometimes be a reason to reach out to certain people who don’t represent you (especially if they’re in a leadership position), it will always be most effective to talk to the person that represents your district. You can read the entire tweet chain at the source link below, or check out Emily’s follow up video with some FAQs here.